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The weather Gods were smiling on us at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s 3rd Designer Runway for the season. After hours of the kind of weather that doesn’t sit well with open toed shoes, out came the sunshine (unfortunately without much warmth to it) and dried up all the rain. Melbourne’s glamorazzi were out in full force- the threat of a downpour couldn’t hold us back.

Ginger & Smart

Ginger & Smart

The show, presented by Grazia magazine, was opened with a stellar collection by Ginger & Smart. Fresh faced models, each sporting a pop of lush teal eyeliner, glided down the runway clad in looks inspired by ancient tribal rug techniques- exotic in an unassuming way. Clashing textiles reign supreme.
 
Alice McCall

Alice McCall

Turbans graced the models as they walked for Alice McCall in a palette of fresh aquamarines and exciting corals. The collection screams decadence- think a fusion of orientalism and glamour. We’re presented with the bohemian aesthetic we’ve come to associate with McCall, however slightly more refined and current.
 
Tigerlily

Tigerlily

Tigerlily, sartorially driven by the eclectic, continued the exotic-gypsy-boho-wanderlust theme presenting a line of truly worldly garments. Colours are warm and rustic, and prints are adapted from foreign pottery and embroidery.
YB J'aime

YB J’aime

YB J’aime, the diffusion line of powerhouse Australian designer Yeojin Bae, provided a sort of Parisian nonchalance. Tailored coats in deep, oxblood reds and a welcome reinvention of the Akubra (the answer to all our bad hair days), moving into structured outwear and effortlessly sexy lace-up separated in fool proof monochromes, are fitting additions to our winter wardrobe.

Michael Lo Sordo

Michael Lo Sordo

Michael Lo Sordo’s Autumn/Winter 13 offerings were an enthralling step forward from the bright palette we have come to expect from him. The collection is not without spectacular graphic floral prints, however the focus this season is one the classics- the classic cuts, the classic colours, all with attitude. Lo Sordo has favoured high splits and higher necks in ivory, cobalt blues and rich black currents. These spectacular pieces are a more sophisticated take on the arguably overdone sports luxe trend.

Ksubi

Ksubi

Aussie denim favourites Ksubi didn’t shy away from double denim- triple, in some instances. Jeans, jackets and caps are washed out and worn in, juxtaposed by regal graphic prints. Aside from the label’s signature denim, the collection includes luxe black and gold embroidery, combining the two things we love Ksubi for- directionality and ease of wearability.

LIFEwithBIRD

LIFEwithBIRD

Closing the show were Couturing favourites LIFEwithBIRD (see our recent interviews with the designers here and here). Garments are draped across the body in a subtly sexy manner. Cuts are classic and oh-so-flattering, while prints and colours are both trend driven and trend setting. The collection features a splattering of both block colour and watercolour prints, filtered by darker offerings in charcoals and ebonies.

Visit the LMFF website to ‘Shop The Runway’ now.

Images by Sabine Legrand.

About The Author

Gemma Watts

Gemma Watts has worked in the fashion media industry since 2012, writing for and being headhunted by some of the country's leading fashion and beauty companies. With a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) under her belt, Gemma is able to combine her two greatest passions as Couturing's Fashion Editor- fashion and writing.

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